Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-28

The Reading strikers got the worst OF their first
skirmish with the company, and yesterday after
noon a dispatch from Philadelphia went all over
the country saying that the trouble was composed.
This Il probably an inaccurate statement, for, as
Is usually the case with these sudden changes
from war 70 peace the two parties 10 the truce did
not understand each other. il IA safe 70 say that
no body in which Mr.. CorbIn holds suthorita-
tive position VIII relinquish its claims 30 hastily
rs this and ft seems hardly likely that all the con-
cessIens would come from the Knights OF Labor
within twenty-four hours after they had declared
their purpose 70 continue the struggle for six
months n necessary,
There s not much doubt, nevertheless, that the
present strike will prove a failure. The season OF
the year, the disanection among the knights them
selves, the unwillingness OF many OF their fellow
employees 70 make common cause with handful
Of men whose grievances cannot be traced to any
unreasonable demand on the part OF the en-
ploJers, and the 1rm stand taken at the outset by
the president OF the company and the associate
recsivers, all initiate against its success. The
knights charge that the company has violated
article Il OF the agreement entered into with them
last winter In which the stipulation was made
that no employe OF the company should
bs discharged without inst being given a
hearing Superintendent sweigard, they say,
discharged the three men who refused 70 deliver
cars TO Tayior's elevator In Port Richmond, and
Mr.. swsigard admits that he discharged the men
for nat INSTRUMENTATION; IL was the only way the
road could get It's work DONE and the committee
who waited on him afterward with regard to the
matter seemed to appreciate that fact and dropped
the subject when he declined to discuss 1t. About
TWO months ago. he adds, three brakemen refused
70 go out a train because the conductor was not
Knight Of Labor. They were dismissed on the
spot but afterward, In response to urgent appeals
AR m n W tn mr.
ninety days upon the express condition that the
knights should not thereafter seek for the REIN
statement OF any man discharged for refus-
ing to obey the orders OF his superiors
It vas In accordance with this last understanding
that the men were dismissed who refused to de-
liver cars at the Taylor elevator.
Next TO an army. there Is no organization where
the maintenance Of discipline Is more necessary
than on . steamship line or a railroad. Dis
obedience 10 orders is liable 10 result In incacua
BILE damage to lives and property; and, whatever
his private Inconvenience every mans public duty
Ia 70 obey promptly and withhold his grievance
TN proper time for its presentation. If q ship
were TO spring leak and the sailors were to re-
fuse TO WORK the pumps because some article In
their contract with the owner had not been full
filled to their satisfaction the severest penalties
imposed by the officer in command would be justi-
ned BY public opinion and by the courts provided
no more violence were used than seemed to be nee
essary &c support his authority. The sailors would
have their remedy In a suit for damages or
specific performance when they reached port
again. In the same way, where railroad trains
have 20 be started on the minute and run to cer-
tain destinations, In conformity with schedule
adopted FOR the purpose OF avoiding collisions and
other mishapS IL is necessary to have every man
at his post and prepared to obey orders to the
letter. lt Is hard 10 see how road could be man.
aged on any. other principle.